TRIUMPHANT Chorley will contest the final of the Abbott Ale Cup at Lord's for a record third consecutive season, following a rampant seven wicket semi-final win at Northern League neighbours Blackpool.

Winners of the competition for the last two years, Chorley stretched their amazing unbeaten run to 26 games, dating back to a fourth round defeat at Fleetwood in 1993.

And it was a victory the men from Windsor Park thoroughly deserved as they kept their nerve to overhaul Blackpool's total with seven overs to spare in what was another highly professional performance.

After winning the toss, Blackpool elected to bat on a good batting wicket.

Wickets tumbled at regular intervals as the home side stuttered to 181 for eight at the end of their 45 overs, the main bowling star Critchley grabbing three for 45.

Requiring four an over for victory, the Chorley reply was paced to perfection. Openers Jim Fazackerley and Neil Bannister shared an opening stand of 75 and looked to be cruising to victory before Fazackerley was bizarrely run out for 35.

Three balls later skipper Roland Horridge was on his way back to the pavilion after being bowled by veteran Dave Higham for a duck. The double blow rocked Chorley but Nigel Heaton, surviving strong appeals for a catch early on, remained calm however and cracked a nonchalant 62 not out to steer his side to victory.

Heaton, at his majestic best, shared partnerships of 31 with Bannister, who eventually fell for 45, and an unbeaten 75 with Neil Senior.

Chorley also beat Blackpool on Saturday in a crucial league fixture to close the gap on St Annes to six points.

Blackpool made 127 for nine, Eccleshare taking four for 44, and sub professional Tony Dodemaide four for 60. Chorley won by six wickets, finishing on 128 for four with two overs to spare, Bannister top scoring with 49 not out.

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